Win tickets to Young@Heart performing in Christchurch Grownups NZ

Saturday 9 June, 7pm. The Piano Centre for Music and the Arts, Christchurch
Get your tickets now from www.iticket.co.nz. Tickets are $27 for Adults, $22 for Seniors and $20 for Children.
Young@Heart ChorusIf you think ‘touring with the band’ is something that’s reserved for the young, then you need to see this inspiring show featuring more than 30 singers aged 70+!
GrownUps was lucky enough to speak with Young@Heart’s musical director Chris Beven who’s been directing the New Zealand chorus since it began in 2010. She’s the person behind the song list which includes songs by the Backstreet Boys, Elton John, Miley Cyrus, John Legend and Jackson 5.
According to Chris singing modern music, “encourages reciprocal appreciation between generations and pushes people – the chorus and also the audience – out of their comfort zone.” The chorus often performs in schools and kids really enjoy the shows. The kids, “can’t believe that these people [who] they wouldn’t expect are grooving on the stage, singing songs that they would sing.”
Modern songs aren’t always an immediate hit with chorus members. Especially when Young@Heart first started, members hadn’t been exposed to much modern music. Chris recalls introducing “Believer” by Imagine Dragons and the chorus’ reaction was, ‘What is this!?”
Although not everybody was sold on the strong drum and bass initially, the chorus grew to love the song after learning the lyrics and giving it a go. “Now the chorus members who’ve been there a while get really excited when they hear the songs we’ve sung in the supermarket.”
Spending so much time together fosters a real sense of belonging and helps members keep active. Members practice daily at home as well as attending weekly rehearsals – and they’d have to, seeing as they’re constantly performing small gigs in the community.
What Chris most enjoys about directing the chorus is, “The people. The chorus themselves are so wonderful and really inspiring. They work really hard; lived incredible lives. All are really different but each of their stories is so amazing.”
Right now she’s directing Younger Now, a one-night only concert on 9 June featuring the NZ Young@Heart chorus and Christchurch Pops Choir. The event is sponsored by Arvida, NZ Young@Heart’s principle sponsor.
Young@Heart performances are lively affairs. The audience is invited to laugh, sing along, clap and even dance in the aisles. Chris says when the chorus performs in retirement homes it really inspires residents to, “see what their contemporaries can do.”
They will perform songs from every era, with the aim to redefine the way people see ageing. All the songs have meaningful lyrics that embody the way the chorus feels about getting older.
Keen to head along to the Christchurch concert and meet other GrownUps members?Enter our giveaway below to be part of the GrownUps group attending the show. We have five tickets to giveaway.
Winners will each receive one ticket and be seated with other GrownUps winners, so you’ll have the chance to watch a great show and meet other GrownUps members at the same time!
Winners will be contacted Wednesday 6 June.